(Fracture, Stress)
Definition
Definition
A stress fracture is a tiny crack in the bone from chronic overuse. Most stress fractures occur in the lower leg and foot. They can also occur in the hip and other areas.
Stress Fractures of the Tibia and FibulaCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Causes
Causes
A blow to the bone does not cause a stress fracture. Rather, it is typically caused by repeated stress or overuse. Some causes are:
- Increasing the amount or intensity of an activity too quickly (most common)
- Switching to a different playing or running surface
- Wearing improper or old shoes
Stress fractures can worsen by continued physical stress. Smoking can also make stress fractures worse because it interferes with bone healing.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Stress fractures are more common in women. Other factors that may increase your chance of a stress fracture include:
- Sports that involve running and jumping, such as:
- Tennis
- Track, especially distance running
- Gymnastics
- Dance
- Basketball
- Absence or early stopping of menstrual cycle—amenorrhea
- Reduced bone thickness or density—osteoporosis
- Poor muscle strength or flexibility
- Overweight or underweight
- Poor physical condition
Symptoms
Symptoms
A stress fracture may cause:
- Localized pain on the bone
- Pain when pressure is applied directly over the fracture and the area around it
- Pain when putting stress on the affected leg
- Swelling and warmth at injury site
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. The injured area will be examined for localized pain and swelling.
Imaging tests to evaluate your bones include:
Treatment
Treatment
Treatment includes:
Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain, but controversy exists about their use for stress fractures. It is possible that NSAIDs adversely affect stress fracture healing.
Rest
Rest is the most important thing you can do for a stress fracture. This includes avoiding the activity that caused the fracture and any other activities that cause pain. Rest time required is at least 6-8 weeks.
Shoe Inserts or Braces
Shock absorbing shoe inserts and pneumatic braces may provide comfort and quicken recovery.
Crutches or a Cane
You may need crutches or a walking cane to keep pressure off the leg.
Activity
Talk with your doctor about when you can restart activity and how to progress with the amount and type of activity.
Prevention
Prevention
To help reduce your chance of a stress fracture:
- Gradually increase the amount and intensity of an activity
- Run on a softer surface, such as grass, dirt, or certain outdoor tracks
- Do not overdo any activity
- Wear proper footwear
- Maintain a proper weight
- Avoid smoking
- Eat a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
RESOURCES:
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://www.orthoinfo.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org
References:
Patel DS, Roth M, Kapil N. Stress fractures: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Am Fam Physician. 2011;83(1):39-46.
Sanderlin BW, Raspa RF. Common stress fractures. Am Fam Physician. 2003;68(8):1527-1532.
Stress fractures. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00112
Updated October 2007. Accessed September 16, 2015.
Tenforde AS, Sayres LC, Sainani KL, Fredericson M. Evaluating the relationship of calcium and vitamin D in the prevention of stress fracture injuries in the young athlete: A review of the literature. PM R. 2010;2:945-949.
Rome K, Handoll HHG, Ashford RL. Interventions for preventing and treating stress fractures and stress reactions of bone of the lower limbs in young adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2005;2:CD000450.
Wells CL. Women, Sport & Performance: A Physiological Perspective. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics; 1991.
Wheeler P, Batt ME. Do nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs adversely affect stress fracture healing? A short review. Br J Sports Med. 2005;39:65-69.
Last Updated: 9/30/2013